"But—" Lena hadn't finished speaking when the call abruptly ended.

Lina turned to her and asked, "Was that Chris? Did he need something from you?"

Lena smiled and replied, "Oh, no. Wrong number."

She didn't care about any urgent matter Elijah might have, nor did she need that triple overtime pay.

It was the weekend, a statutory holiday, and Lina was having a prenatal check-up. Lena had to be there with her.

Her phone buzzed, and it was a message from Elijah with a location.

When Lena checked, she realized the location was actually the hospital. It surprised her.

Then another message arrived, with a much softer tone: [Lena, please help me out. My daughter is in the hospital, and I've reached out to you as a last resort. If I've offended you before, please forgive me.]

Lena clenched her hands. In her mind, she could faintly see the little princess holding her hand and calling her 'Madam'.

At that moment, a few nurses took Lina for the next examination.

Lena, separated by the door, asked softly, "Lina, Um... I have a friend in this hospital. Can I go say hello?"

"Oh, sure!" Lina said, "I don't need you here for now. Go and come back quickly!"

"Okay!" Lena agreed and headed to the pediatric department, which was conveniently located nearby, just down a flight of stairs and around a corner.

As she entered the corridor, her eyes fell upon Elijah, who appeared agitated with tousled hair and prominent dark circles under his eyes.

The pediatric department boasted a charming and inviting decor, but the sound of intense crying emanating from within was deeply unsettling.

Lena was startled and inquired, "What's happening?"

like a lifeline and pulled her into the ward without saying

"Nala!"

trying to console the little princess on the small bed. Despite her tear-stained face, she was stubborn. When Nala threw a tantrum, she looked like a fierce

take the

her. "You behave yourself! I'll

thrashed on the bed,

glared at Elijah and rushed over to

it felt like

a child, her mother sent her to live with a family in the village. The head of the household was a heavy drinker who gambled a lot. He would shout and swear at her when things didn't go

want to take her medicine, he threatened her just like Elijah did, saying, "If

man actually grabbed a broom and struck her

shivering involuntarily, and hugged Nala

blue, she heard a small voice from within her hug, asking, "Madam, are

gazing up at her with large, teary eyes,

Nala softly touched Lena's face. "Madam, Nala

had to muster all her strength

you, Nala. I am not cold anymore." Lena's voice unexpectedly turned gentle, even surprising herself.

to

mean you're feeling

at her pitifully and pointed at her abdomen.

has gastroenteritis and a bit of fever, too." A woman who seemed like a nanny explained from the side. "Luckily, it's not acute. A simple IV drip

Lena looked at Elijah. "You called me because Nala is afraid of

straightened up, and put his hands in his pockets.

trying to recall the story of Little Red Riding Hood from her childhood memories. She stumbled through the tale, making some mistakes, but Nala snuggled close and listened

nurse skillfully administered Nala's butterfly needle and started her on the drip. The once-chaotic hospital ward had

while later, Nala fell asleep in Lena's

making sure Nala was truly asleep, Lena put her down

His tie was crooked, his shirt was unbuttoned, and

who had no idea might think

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